- "I am The Watcher. The Multiverse, every single world, every story is my home, and I will protect it to the end."
- ―The Watcher[src]
Uatu, also known as the Watcher, is a fifth dimensional being who observed the Multiverse from the Nexus of All Realities. Along with his fellow race, The Watcher abided by an oath that prohibits him from interfering with events occurring within the realities he observes. This changed when an Infinity Stones-wielding Ultron sensed his presence and learned of the Multiverse, thus forcing him to violate this oath in order to protect the numerous timelines threatened by the omnicidal AI. Recruiting Captain Carter, Star-Lord, Strange Supreme, Erik Killmonger, Gamora, Thor and later Black Widow as the Guardians of the Multiverse, they were successful in preventing Ultron from advancing his devastation across the Multiverse.
The Watcher returned to his job of watching many alternate universes. He went to watch Groot fulfill a prophecy before going to several universes such as Nova Corpsman Nebula, Celestial Invader Ego and Gamma Enhanced Happy Hogan. He also returned to Sakaarian Iron Man to review the story that led up to Gamora's involvement in the Battle for the Multiverse. However, Uatu found himself wanting to check up on Captain Carter, despite usually not doing sequels. He then surveyed Kahhori and a Merciful Hela before seeing how Captain Carter got involved in the Forerunner Steve Rogers universe. Uatu tried to get her out, but watched as Carter saved the universe before being rescued by Doctor Strange, who had been gathering many multiversal beings to feed his Forge and recreate his universe. Uatu watched as Carter stopped Strange. He then returned Carter to her universe, but not before making a detour to the Nexus of All Realities.
As he continued to observe the Multiverse, the Watcher discovered that Wanda Maximoff had been impersonating him with hopes of convincing an individual to collect the Infinity Stones for her from various universe. The individual defeated Maximoff, and the Watcher presented them with the choice to either use the stones to help their allies or destroy them. The Watcher commended the version of the individual who destroyed the stones and introduced them to Captain Carter. He then began talking to the version who destroyed the stones and tried unsuccessfully to prevent them from being recruited to the Time Variance Authority.
Biography[]
Observing the Multiverse[]
Swearing an Oath[]
Uatu, as a Watcher, took an oath to never interfere in the affairs of the Multiverse and simply observe what went on.[3] As he was a fifth dimensional being,[4] he spent his time in the Nexus of All Realities so that he could observe all universes. While watching events transpire, Uatu often compared the differences of alternate realities, since many worlds were spawned from the same one's Points of Divergence. Uatu also had been narrating the stories that unfolded in realities, referring to himself as The Watcher.[2] He also became a member of the cosmic entities, as a statue of him was constructed at the Gates of Eternity.[5]
Super Soldier Peggy Carter[]
- "At humanity's darkest hour, a skinny kid from Brooklyn became Captain America. After turning the tide of World War II, he made the ultimate sacrifice, restoring peace and saving this universe. But in another universe, a single choice created a whole new hero."
- ―The Watcher[src]
The Watcher recalled how in Earth-616 the Nazis started World War II and how it forced the SSR to make Steve Rogers into the super soldier known as Captain America. He then observed an alternate universe where Peggy Carter chose to stay in the room and take the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers and became the heroine known as Captain Carter. The Watcher observed that universe as events played out, with Captain Carter grabbing the Tesseract, saving the 107th with Rogers in the HYDRA Stomper Armor: Mark I, Rogers' capture by HYDRA, and their fight against Champion of HYDRA, and saw when Captain Carter was transported into the 21st century.[2]
Ravager T'Challa[]
The Watcher observed an alternate universe in which the Ravagers mistakenly abducted T'Challa, thinking that he was Peter Quill. Instead of returning him, Yondu Udonta kept him as his own son, leading him to become the Star-Lord of that reality.
The Watcher began by looking when T'Challa stole the Orb on Morag and recruited Korath the Pursuer into the Ravagers. The Watcher questioned if someone's nature was a result of the individual or their reality, before looking back at when T'Challa was abducted from Wakanda and brought in before the Ravagers, noting how it happened, before observing the present. The Watcher observed Star-Lord's time with the Ravagers, their theft of the Embers of Genesis from the Collector to give to the galaxy, until he reunited with his family in Wakanda, where the Watcher noted that while his family reunion was nice, the reunion between Ego and Quill that was happening concurrently would most likely mean the end of that universe.[6]
Avengers Assassinated[]
The Watcher later waded into a new universe, where after witnessing Iron Man's murder, The Watcher talked about how in Earth-616 he saw the chaos of the Avengers emergence as the crucible of greatness, before returning to witness the rest of the assassination of the candidates for the Avengers Initiative by the vengeful Yellowjacket, and Nick Fury's attempts to stop it. The Watcher later witnessed Loki coming and helping Fury teaming up to take down Yellowjacket, Loki's takeover, and Fury beginning to form a new team of Avengers, with The Watcher noting that there is always hope.[7]
Corrupted Doctor Strange[]
- "Honestly, if I could fix this, if I could punish you instead, I would. But I can't interfere. You, more than anyone else, should understand that meddling with time and events only leads to more destruction."
- ―The Watcher to Strange Supreme[src]
The Watcher later ventured into a different reality, once there the Watcher said how he had seen decisions can cause new stories, heroes, and universes rise, but what would happen if the wrong choice was chosen and what consequences would come. The Watcher saw as Stephen Strange and Christine Palmer went to a gala but crashed en route. While Strange survived with no scratches, Palmer was killed in the crash. The Watcher noted that in this world, Strange lost his "heart" instead of his hands while seeing Strange grieve.
The Watcher saw as Strange became a Master of the Mystic Arts, stepped up after the Ancient One's death, and stopped Dormammu. Strange was still mourning Palmer and decided to try to bring her back by any means necessary, and using the Time Stone to try and save Palmer. The Watcher later witnessed Strange and the Ancient One's fight, which resulted in Strange being divided into two individuals, before Strange used the Time Stone to travel to the distant past. When Strange was absorbing creatures to gain power, the Watcher said that Strange was going down the wrong path and he could interfere, but reminded himself he couldn't do that as the fate of one world doesn't outweigh the fate of all of them, and the Watcher doubted Strange would even listen. Strange sensed the Watcher's presence and questioned if anyone was there, to which the Watcher didn't respond.
The Watcher witnessed as the two Doctor Stranges fought each other, as the corrupted Strange's growing power was tearing up his universe. The other Strange lost and was absorbed by the corrupted Strange, who used his power to bring back Palmer. However, Strange realized the danger he caused with the frightened Palmer. While Strange was trying to hold the universe together, Strange saw the Watcher and pleaded for him to help him fix this. The Watcher allowed himself to be seen, shocking Palmer, and asked in the same way Strange "fixed" Christine, reminding Strange how he was warned.
Strange apologized, noting that the world should not pay for his arrogance and told the Watcher how he had read about him, describing the Watcher as a god, but the Watcher stated that neither of them were gods. Strange begged the Watcher to punish him and spare the world and Palmer, while the Watcher told Strange that if he could fix it and punish Strange, he would, but stated that he could not interfere. The Watcher told Strange that he should have known that messing with events would lead to destruction before leaving Strange, as the world was condensed into a marble with only a mournful Strange as its inhabitant. Looking at the reality, the Watcher noted how much one life could potentially condemn a universe.[8]
Zombie Outbreak[]
- "Two weeks ago, Dr. Hank Pym journeyed into the Quantum Realm, searching for his long-lost wife. But in this universe, Janet van Dyne contracted a quantum virus that corrupted her brain. So when she finally reunited with her husband after thirty long years... Oof, that happened."
- ―The Watcher[src]
The Watcher later observed an alternate universe, in which Janet van Dyne brought a zombie virus from the Quantum Realm, and into Earth, infecting the United States of America. The Watcher saw as Bruce Banner crashed into the New York Sanctum and his near escape from the zombified Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Wong, Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian. The Watcher saw and narrated how Hank Pym saving van Dyne caused the outbreak, and the Avengers' heroic arrival was the thing that sealed humanity's doom.
The Watcher witnessed as Banner found the Zombie Outbreak Survivor Group and their trip to find a cure from Vision. When that plan failed, he saw as the remaining survivors left to go to Wakanda to help create a cure with the Mind Stone, believing it to be a safe haven. While en route, The Watcher said how even in the darkest time, heroes hold on to hope. However, as The Watcher saw that Wakanda had been overrun by zombies led by a zombified Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet almost complete, he finished by saying even if that hope means the end of the universe.[9]
Killmonger's War[]
- "Without Tony Stark's fateful capture in Afghanistan, the Age of Iron Man would never come to pass. Though the man was saved, a hero was lost, and a villain was given a new chance."
- ―The Watcher[src]
The Watcher later entered into another universe. He saw as Tony Stark was rescued by Erik Killmonger in Afghanistan. After the rescue, the Watcher looked back on the life of the main Tony Stark, saying how heroes were forged in darkness, their allies, and their sacrifice. The Watcher then turned his attention back to the other universe and lamented that since Stark was not captured, Iron Man was lost, but finished by saying that Killmonger was given a new chance. The Watcher saw as Killmonger rose up the ranks with Stark, and them building the Stark Liberator Drones. He then saw as Stark and Killmonger sent James Rhodes to a black arms deal with Ulysses Klaue for Vibranium, and the intervening Black Panther.
The Watcher then saw as Killmonger killed Black Panther and Rhodes, planning to cause a war between the United States of America and Wakanda. The Watcher witnessed how Killmonger killed the confrontational Stark, brought the Liberator Drones to Wakanda, his fraternizing with Wakanda, and the war for Wakanda, which Killmonger "fought" for. The Watcher observed how Killmonger was accepted by Wakanda, became the Black Panther, his conversation with T'Challa in the Astral Dimension, and how Shuri came to Pepper Potts to plan to take Killmonger down. The Watcher said that heroes are never truly gone as they've inspired others.[10]
Party Prince Thor[]
The Watcher later observed another alternate universe. After seeing Thor land in Las Vegas, Nevada on Earth, the Watcher looked back on how Odin adopting Loki changed the main timeline and humbled Thor. The Watcher revealed that in this alternate universe, Odin returned Loki to Laufey instead of keeping him, making Thor a completely different person as he was raised as an only child.
The Watcher watched as Jane Foster and Darcy Lewis observe Thor's arrival, Thor's humongous party on Earth with random assortment of alien species, S.H.I.E.L.D. and Captain Marvel's attempt to stop him, Foster summoning Frigga to help Thor, and Thor and his friends scrabble to clean up his party. The Watcher then watched as Thor came back to ask Foster out on a date, and after she said yes, the Watcher said how everything was seeming right with this universe, and that they lived happily ever after. However, the Watcher noticed something else happening, which alerted him. Visibly surprised, he said he might've spoken too soon as he saw as a portal open up in front of Thor and Foster, with Ultron Sentries and Ultron coming out of it.[11]
Age of Ultron[]
- "We've seen this before, a universe in the final days of destruction. But this particular story... this, this one breaks my heart."
- ―The Watcher[src]
The Watcher then recalled how he had seen universes in their final moments of destruction, but this particular universe's destruction broke his heart. He turned his attention to Ultron's home universe and observed as Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton fended themselves from a swarm of Ultron Sentries in order to secure a hideout in Russia.
The Watcher recalled how in the main timeline, Tony Stark created Ultron for peace and to be a suit of armor around the world, how Ultron created a body to possess, and how the Avengers had stolen the body from the Regeneration Cradle, thus creating Vision who become a hero. The Watcher then explained how in this alternate universe, Ultron got his wish and uploaded his consciousness into the body, before obtaining access to the nuclear codes, killing Thor, Hulk, Captain America, and Iron Man and wiping out humanity with the warheads. He then observed Thanos' arrival onto the destroyed Earth, his death at the hands of Ultron, and Ultron obtaining the Infinity Stones from the Infinity Gauntlet. He then watched as Ultron used the Reality Stone to recreate his army before travelling into space to decimate Asgard, Sovereign, Sakaar, Ego, Xandar, and the remainder of the universe.[3]
Breaking His Oath[]
Discovered by Ultron[]
After Ultron was left in the desolate universe, the Watcher lamented that he had become a program without a purpose. As he continued to narrate Ultron's supposed state, he commented that Ultron had reached to a previously unobtainable level of consciousness, continuing that he had become aware of someone's existence. It was at that point that the Watcher realized that the someone that Ultron was now aware of was himself, with the AI realizing the Multiverse's existence and tried to get the Watcher.
Frightened and alarmed by this, the Watcher shut off his viewing point, but still heard Ultron's taunts that he would find him. The Watcher, still shaken, said how he had seen everything that had, would, and could've happened, but he had no idea how Ultron just saw him. The Watcher said that the Multiverse was in danger because of Ultron. The Watcher straightened himself out and reminded himself that Ultron was not as invincible as he believes, and that there was still hope.
He then travelled to Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton's location at the KGB Archive Building in Moscow. While being invisible, the Watcher found Arnim Zola's file and tried to cheer on Barton to grab it. However, Barton did not see it, much to the Watcher's distress. As the Watcher begged for the two to see the file, he heard Ultron taunt him again, which frightened him again. However, to the Watcher's relief, Romanoff found the box and Zola's file before setting out to find Zola.
As the Watcher became hopeful again, Ultron busted into the Nexus of All Realities and began to engage in a fight against him. After being blasted away by Ultron, the Watcher told him that he didn't have to do this, but Ultron said it was his purpose before attempting to blast the Watcher again with the Infinity Stones. However, the Watcher brought up a force-field to protect himself and to force Ultron away. The Watcher then trapped Ultron inside a circular chamber and sent him into another dimension and told himself that it shouldn't have been possible. However, Ultron reentered the Nexus and reminded the Watcher that anything was possible in the Multiverse, before slamming the Watcher out of the Nexus into an alternate universe. Ultron then mocked the Watcher, remarking how he just stood by and watched as good and bad events took place. The Watcher replied that to respect his oath, he was unable to interfere. However, Ultron landed stating that he was the natural order of things and that he'll bring peace, stating that Watcher lacked the will to stop him, letting out a huge burst of energy as a beam.
The Watcher though, was able to shield and force the beam to shove Ultron away, and powered up and transformed into a golden armor, proclaiming that Ultron can't compute the power of his will. He then engaged Ultron in another duel, going into hand-to-hand combat. Ultron then forced the Watcher into countless alternate universes in order to disorient him and then enlarged himself in order to consume an entire galaxy, causing the Watcher to fall into another universe. the Watcher landed in front of several humans in New York City who were watching footage of Steve Rogers' presidential inauguration. Ultron arrived and pointed out that it should be better for the Watcher to be outside the Nexus and it was less creepy as it was that the Watcher observed people without them knowing, before Ultron beat him repeatedly into other universes. Ultron then grabbed hold of the Watcher's head and proceeded to try and kill him, but the Watcher was able to get out of Ultron's grasp, punch his arm, and escape.[3]
Seeking Help[]
- "I want to hear you say it."
"Okay... I can't believe I'm about to say this... I see now. I need your help." - ―Strange Supreme and The Watcher[src]
The Watcher transported himself to what was left of Strange Supreme's universe, the Mirror Dimension. He confessed to Strange that he was out of options on how to deal with Ultron, to which Strange told him that he had been there and had been trapped in this prison as a result. Strange then questioned if the Watcher was ready to break his oath and beckoned him to announce his intention to break his oath of not interfering. The Watcher questioned if he really wanted to hear it, which Strange confirmed. With the Multiverse threatened by Ultron, the Watcher, to his detriment, agreed and told Strange that he needed his help.[3]
Battle for the Multiverse[]
- "You are my last hope to save all of them. You are the Guardians of the Multiverse."
- ―The Watcher[src]
The Watcher initially planned to just have Strange Supreme fight Ultron, but the more he thought about it he realized that it would be more effective to bring together the people he had previously observed to fight the AI.
The Watcher then set out to gather his team. First, he went to the first alternate universe he observed and located Captain Carter, who was fighting Georges Batroc on the Lemurian Star. After making his presence known, Captain Carter became startled. The Watcher then told her that she had been chosen by him and took her out of her universe. He then went to the next universe and found Star-Lord in Missouri rescuing Peter Quill from Ego. After Quill pointed the Watcher out to Star-Lord, the Watcher told him he was chosen and took him out of his universe.
The Watcher then went to another universe's Nidavellir and found Gamora and Iron Man. After being noticed by them, Iron Man remarked that Gamora would defeat him, but the Watcher told Iron Man that he was not part of the mission and took Gamora out of her universe. The Watcher then went to the next universe and traversed into Wakanda to the Citadel grabbing Erik Killmonger before he was apprehended by the Dora Milaje, Shuri, and Pepper Potts. Finally, the Watcher went to Thor’s universe and found him in Las Vegas fighting against the Ultron Sentries, after they had attempted to destroy his universe. As Thor fought, the Watcher tried to get his attention, but was unsuccessful, so he snatched Thor with his hand and took him to the others.
The Watcher brought the team to a bar that Doctor Strange materialized and appeared before them abruptly, startling them. He notified them about Ultron and his campaign to destroy the Multiverse, while Doctor Strange explained the Infinity Stones to them. The Watcher told them that he initially thought he only needed Doctor Strange but realized that he needed the team, dubbing them the Guardians of the Multiverse.
Before sending the Guardians off on their mission, the Watcher foresaw the events that would unfold, from Black Widow's recruitment, to the failed Infinity Crusher, to Ultron's death, to Killmonger's betrayal and Doctor Strange entrapping Killmonger and Arnim Zola in a pocket dimension. Knowing that the plan will work, The Watcher sent the Guardians off, briefly opening a portal to Ultron's world to allow Black Widow to join, and when Killmonger and Zola were trapped, the Watcher shrank the barrier.
The Watcher and Doctor Strange went back to Doctor Strange's dimension, the Mirror Dimension, where Doctor Strange pointed out how the Watcher knew how the battle would unfold before it started. The Watcher finished Doctor Strange's sentence by mentioning his sacrifice. Doctor Strange questioned what he meant, so the Watcher pointed out that someone had to keep an eye on the trapped Zola and Killmonger, which Doctor Strange agreed to do. The Watcher thanked Doctor Strange for helping him and his sacrifice to keep watch over the pocket dimension.
The Watcher regrouped with the Guardians in the bar and thanked them for saving the Multiverse, before allowing everyone to walk out the door back to their respective universes. Captain Carter, however had second thoughts since she couldn't be with Steve Rogers, and asked if she could go back in the past. The Watcher told her that her time and world needed Captain Carter, so she went back to her universe. The Watcher was then left with Black Widow, who bluntly told him she wasn't going back to her universe since it had been destroyed.
Black Widow then questioned where the Watcher was when her world was wiped out and accused the Watcher of not caring about them and that they were just stories to him. The Watcher told her that was far from the truth and that he is inspired by their stories, which meant everything to him. Sadly, he confessed it was beyond his power to restore her world when she pleaded him to fix it. Black Widow was still adamant of not going and told the Watcher she wasn't leaving. The Watcher said that the door was more of a metaphor before transporting Black Widow to the universe where the Avengers were assassinated, onto a Helicarrier, where S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America, Captain Marvel, and Nick Fury were fighting against Loki and the Einherjar. The Watcher told Black Widow that he put her in a universe that had lost their Black Widow. Black Widow then thanked the Watcher, before overpowering Loki and using his Scepter to incapacitate him, before being recruited by Fury to join his team. The Watcher looked on his team, saying that all creatures search for a place to belong, and call home. As for him, the Watcher proclaimed that every universe, and story is his home, and that he will protect it to the end.[12]
Return to Narrating[]
Drez-Lar Prophecy[]
- "The prophecy was so clear. It said the seed, this small vessel of great potential would sprout from this very place. Spreading peace and joy through– And the seed... is a metaphor, isn't it? Okay this is what I get for skimming the prophecy. Go forth, you little seedling."
- ―The Watcher[src]
The Watcher found out about a prophecy about the last Seed of Drez-Lar, which was about to be collected by Groot. The Watcher narrated as Groot approached the seed. The Watcher was surprised as Groot not only evaded the traps but set them off out of humor and playfulness. However, there was one trap that set off lava, threatening to destroy the seed. As The Watcher hoped Groot would save the seed, he instead kicked his ball over towards the mural. The Watcher hoped that Groot would read the mural but was annoyed to find that Groot simply wanted to draw on it. Eventually, Groot left the mural, which The Watcher commented that at least Groot wasn't defacing it. However, to his horror, The Watcher listened as Groot began to urinate on a section of the temple, claiming that it was even worse.
The Watcher turned towards the seed as Groot approached it. Groot then started waving, to which the Watcher thought he could see him. However, Uatu soon realized that Groot was simply making shadow puppets. Soon, Groot sat down and napped, much to Uatu's annoyance. The Watcher's excitement finally grew as a "godly ray of light" was cast upon the seed. Groot followed it, only to pick up his ball and leave as the seed was destroyed. Uatu turned away as he could not bear to watch the destruction of the temple. When the dust cleared, Uatu realized that it was all a metaphor for Groot, not the seed, as Groot got up from the rubble. He then blamed himself for skimming the prophecy. As Groot flew away on the Benatar, he waved at Uatu, confusing the Watcher.[4]
Nova Corpsman Nebula[]
- "All quests for redemption begin in darkness. And Nebula's was no different. In this universe, Ronan the Accuser betrayed Thanos. The Mad Titan's thirst for power had met its match. And in his fall, he took Nebula's sister along with him."
- ―The Watcher
After Ultron's defeat, The Watcher restarted his oath to not intervene and observe universe's again as he entered into a universe where Nebula was a Nova Corpsman as she investigated Yondu Udonta's death. He noted all quests for redemption began in darkness, with Nebula's begun five years earlier when Ronan the Accuser betrayed Thanos and Gamora was caught in the crossfire, which left Nebula with nothing. After Irani Rael convinced Nebula to join the Nova Corps, Ronan attempted to invade Xandar. In response, Rael locked Xandar down behind a force field capable of lasting fifty years, at the cost of turning the citizenry hostile from their collective isolation.
In the present, The Watcher saw Nebula discover Udonta tried to save information about the Nova Corps' systems, and was instructed by Rael to work with Yon-Rogg to help download the system into her. However, it was a trick to allow Rael to obtain access so she could disable the shield and negotiate surrender with Ronan. Nebula survived an attempt on her life and, working with Howard the Duck, Groot, Korg and Miek, prevented Rael from succeeding, with Rael and Ronan both dead in the ensuing battle. As Nebula deactivated the planetary shield to free the citizens, The Watcher noted that redemption came in the darkest moments and a little grit and faith in oneself would help reveal a way into the light.[13]
Celestial Invader Ego[]
- "Is that a kid?"
"Not just any kid, but Peter Quill. A son of Earth and the stars whose pain and loss now threatens to destroy the very world he once called home. And the entire universe with it." - ―Police Officer and The Watcher
The Watcher later entered another universe in the 1980s where he saw Ego's Ship crash into Manhattan, and as the police called for the occupant to exit they were shocked to see that it was a boy. However, The Watcher stated that he wasn't any kid, but was Peter Quill, whose pain and loss now threatened the world he had once called home alongside the universe as Quill began to attack the officers.
The Watcher looked back on how six months earlier in Earth-616 the Ravagers had abducted Peter Quill after his mother had passed for his father Ego, however Yondu couldn't bring himself to turn Quill over so he decided to raise him as his own. However, The Watcher explained that in this universe Udonta never had his change of heart and instead turned Quill over as promised. The Watcher saw as Ego showed and forced Quill to enact on his plan of the Expansion since he now had all he needed to enact it.
The Watcher continued to look on as Peggy Carter and Howard Stark responded to the threat by bringing together a group made up of the heroes, Ant-Man, Black Panther, Mar-Vell, Winter Soldier, and Goliath to try to incapacitate Quill at Coney Island before the Eastern Seaboard was destroyed, with the group later helped by Thor to defeat Quill. Eventually, Quill was later freed by Hank Pym's Daughter, Hope van Dyne as he only wanted to return to Missouri and Ego's manipulation was why he had rampaged earlier as the other Avengers found Ego's Seed which was what destroyed the other worlds. Meanwhile, Ego who had grown impatient over Quill's disappearance decided to go to Earth to continue his goal of the Expansion. While the other heroes protected and stalled Ego from his Seed, while Pym and Mar-Vell inspired Quill to help them defeat Ego, by absorbing the seed and destroyed his avatar form. The group decided to stay together to destroy Ego's Planet to stop him for good.[14]
Gamma Enhanced Happy Hogan[]
Meanwhile, The Watcher entered a new universe during Christmas, where he sighed in relief and asked if it was nice as there was no better time of the year and wanted to tell one of his favorite yuletide stories. The Watcher began to narrate how on the night before Christmas day, the Avengers fought a brand-new superpowered foe in Avengers Tower. Watcher took notice of how the stockings were hung by a fireplace until Iron Man was thrown at it, with the Watcher stated that they didn't anymore as Stark and the Avengers fought the Freak. As he realized that he was too late in the story, to explain who Freak was he needed to go back to the beginning.
The Watcher went back two hours before the tower was on fire, as Happy Hogan, Darcy Lewis, and Maria Hill organized the Avengers Christmas Party while Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Black Widow were out for Christmas related activities. However, when Justin Hammer infiltrated the Tower, the Watcher stated that maybe it was a story of how Hammer stole Christmas. The Watcher noted how after Hammer nearly blew up Stark Expo, he was locked up with time to reflect and plot his revenge.
The Watcher continued to observe as Hammer took the party guests hostage which forced Hogan, Hill, and Lewis to try to stop Hammer as he was after a modified version of the Hulk's blood. Eventually, as Happy tried to prevent Hammer's men from getting the Blood, he accidently injected himself with it, which caused Hogan to slowly turn into the Freak as Lewis and Hill attempted to boot up W.E.R.N.E.R. to resecure the tower. Eventually, Hogan and Hammer in the Hulkbuster Armor fought until Stark, Rogers, Banner, Barton, and Romanoff returned from their respective activities thought that Hogan was just a monster tearing Tony's stuff and tried to fight him off.
Luckily, Lewis pointed out that the Freak was Happy and Hammer was in the Hulkbuster, with Stark deactivated the suit as Hogan finally appended him. With Hammer defeated and the Avengers cheered on Happy, the Watcher said that as far as the rest of the tale went, he narrated how the rest of the tower was secure as the Avengers went to go eat after the long night. Watcher told that he heard a voice say as the heroes left, to coincide as Thor finally returned to realize that they already left, which The Watcher chuckled and finished Thor's line from "the Night Before Christmas".[15]
Sakaarian Iron Man[]
- "With his home on the verge of destruction, Tony Stark, self made Iron Man, made the ultimate hero's play. But in this universe, Tony never made it home."
- ―The Watcher[src]
As he looked back on the Guardians of the Multiverse, the Watcher noted that some people wouldn't know Gamora's story. The Watcher noted that from the daughter of Thanos to the champion of a multiversal war, Gamora's path to become a hero began with someone else's. Watcher went back to when Tony Stark flew a missile into the Chitauri command ship from a portal during the Battle of New York as he nearly sacrificed himself in the action. However, instead of falling back to New York, Tony missed the portal as it closed before he fell through, as Watcher noted that Tony never made it home in this universe.
Instead, Tony ended up falling into the planet Sakaar where he met the Grandmaster and took issue with how he ruled the planet as he encouraged the citizens to mock Valkyrie after she lost the Sakaar Grand Prix which was interrupted by Gamora attacked him for Thanos' behalf after he destroyed the Chitauri army. That resulted in both of them to be briefly captured them as Tony escaped, teamed up with Korg and later Valkyrie to challenge Grandmaster in the Grand Prix for the liberation of Sakaar, while Gamora tried to continue to capture Stark while he tried to get her to question her role with Thanos. Eventually, Gamora decided to heed Stark's advice and help keep Grandmaster's forces distracted to allow Stark, Valkyrie, and Korg to beat Grandmaster, and cause him to melt as he tried to make it seemed that he won.
As Stark was ready to leave back to Earth, he was asked by Gamora to help her with dealing with Thanos, as The Watcher noted how it wasn't the punches thrown, but the people who change the outcome of the battle through connection, love, and friendship, from knowing someone has your back in a fight, as he saw Gamora and Tony distract and kill Thanos with the Melt Stick.[16]
Returning to Captain Carter's Story[]
- "I am the Watcher. I see all, I observe all, I know... What the hell is this?"
"Hey! Natasha!"
"Peg! Peggy? Peg! Where are you?"
"That's a good question." - ―The Watcher, Peggy Carter and Natasha Romanoff[src]
As the Watcher restored some of the fragmented pieces of the Nexus of All Realities, he admitted that he normally doesn't watch sequels, as what was the point of revisiting a story when there are infinite stories to be told. However, he admitted that not every universe was the home to Captain Carter. The Watcher recounted how Carter was the super soldier from World War II and was literally ahead of her time now, and how there was one Peggy Carter that he would call his friend after she and the Guardians of the Multiverse helped him save all of existence. The Watcher recalled how he returned all of the Guardians back to the moment they left their worlds, though Peggy thought her story was over, but to him it was only beginning.
The Watcher then observed as Carter and Black Widow found Carter's former partner and love interest Steve Rogers inside of the HYDRA Stomper Armor: Mark II in present day after he was presumed dead. However, Rogers was now brainwashed by the Red Room led by Melina Vostokoff to perform assassinations for them with it appeared that he was meant to kill his friend, Secretary Bucky Barnes. However, Carter and Romanoff instead took knocked him out during the attempt and went off the grid to see if they could save Rogers and take the Red Room down after they learned that the armor was the only thing keeping him alive. Rogers briefly took back control and helped them fly to a secret Red Room base where him and Peggy got the chance to reconnect.
However, the team was ambushed by Vostokoff and the Black Widows and retook control of Rogers as they were after Carter for experimentation. During the fight, Carter was able to help Steve fight through Vostokoff's programing though Rogers decided to destroy the Red Room facility by flying into it to blow it up, despite Peggy pleads for Rogers not to, while Romanoff, tied Melina to the HYDRA Stomper to ensure that she was killed with the facility.
As Rogers disappeared, The Watcher looked like Carter and Romanoff were the only ones who left the destroyed area. As he watched the destruction, he admitted that while it was not a happy ending, this still was not the end of Carter's story, as she and Romanoff planned to continue to search for Rogers. The Watcher proclaimed that he sees all, observes all, and knows all. However, to his annoyance he saw as a mysterious magic sucked Carter away as Natasha asked where she was, Watcher admitted that it was a good question.[17]
Kahhori's Story[]
- "So many choices spawn from a choice. But Kahhori's victory wasn't because she merely chose the right path. No, it was her conviction, because she remained true to her course, unwavering in the face of both devastation and miracles alike. Such resolve is often what burns brightest. What elevates an individual to something more. And perhaps it's why heroes very seldom stop after their first victory."
- ―The Watcher[src]
The Watcher later entered another universe, where he spoke how Asgard's nightmare of Ragnarok was the same across the multiverse and told how on Earth-616 Odin hid the Tesseract on Tønsburg after he achieved an age of peace. However, Surtur unleashed Ragnarok in this universe before Odin hid the Tesseract as he saw Surtur crush Odin and destroy Asgard. Watcher noted though as the Tesseract survived Asgard's destruction as it crashed close to Akwesasne.
The Watcher saw as a woman named Kahhori led her brother Wáhta to the now Forbidden Lake after it led to many people to disappear suddenly when they fought to control it. However, they were later learned of their village was invaded by Commander Rodrigo Gonzolo and the Conquistadores who pursued them to the lake which caused Wáhta to be captured and Kahhori to be shot into the lake which caused her to be empowered by the Space Stone's energy teleported to Sky World where she met Atahraks and the missing people who now lived in Sky World.
Watcher noted that after the fall of Asgard, the Tesseract took on a second life among Kahhori's ancestors. As after it broke on impact, the Cube released unmitigated Space Stone energy, and gifted its power to the lake. Watcher told how warriors, adventurers and other noble tribespeople disappeared into the waters, never to return and how greed and grief ignited a terrible battle amongst the surrounding nations. In the end, peace was made, and the lake's blood-soaked shores were deemed cursed, and with the exception of Kahhori deterred many from returning to it.
Watcher continued to observe as Kahhori attempted to escape the World to help her people while she also learned how to use her powers with the other members of Sky World. Meanwhile, Commander Gonzolo led some of his men to be accidently sucked into Sky World and after he believed his troops to be dead, he ordered that Wátah and Kahhori's village was to be taken to Spain. Meanwhile, Kahhori after she defeated the Spainards that were teleported to Sky World, she used her powers to force the portal to Sky World to come closer to allow her to help her people and inspired the others to help her to kill Gonzolo, free Wátah, and take down the other Forces.
As Kahhori finished off the last of the invaders, The Watcher spoke of how many choices spawn from a choice, but Kahhori's victory wasn't because she merely chose the right path. But, instead, it was her conviction, as she remained true to her course, and unaverred in the face of both devastation and miracles alike. Watcher stated how such resolve is often what burns brightest, what elevates an individual to something more, and perhaps it was why heroes seldom stopped after their first victory. Watcher watched as Kahhori and the Sky People confronted and convinced Queen Isabella I of Spain to stop her invasion in exchange for her life. As Kahhori offered Isabella a peace offering, Watcher stated that Kahhori and her people used their miracles to bring peace to their neighbors. However, he noted that Kahhori's greatest battle had only begun, as Strange Supreme arrived to apprehend her.[18]
Merciful Hela[]
- "There, on an ancient battlefield, a man and a woman, a mortal and a goddess, the Ten Rings and the armies of Asgard forged an alliance and built an empire. An empire that would span the cosmos. An empire not of conquerors, but of liberators. Liberators whose campaign across the universe would forever prove even the darkest of hearts can come to know peace"
- ―The Watcher[src]
Watcher later observed how Odin sought to unite the Nine Realms under Asgard in a campaign of fire and blood. Watcher noted how Odin's primary weapon was his executioner and first daughter Hela the Goddess of Death. However, as the Nine Realms came to Asgard's control, Hela hungered for more as he watched Odin banished and imprisoned Hela as he could no longer quench Hela's thirst of blood to Hel. Watcher noted though that in another universe Hela's insolence inspired another idea as Odin instead destroyed Hela's weapon Mjølnir and stripped Hela of her crown and power and banished her and the helmet to Midgard with the helmet cursed to only allow those with mercy to be able to use it. Later when the Ten Rings and their master Xu Wenwu found the crown, Watcher stated that like the Ten Rings that fueled Wenwu's power, he knew all too well that most powerful forces on Earth often came from beyond.
Watcher told how rain, the miracle of nature that brings the sky down to Earth, noted that Wenwu was about to discover someone far more intriguing had fallen from the heavens, as Hela attempted to regain her crown from the Ten Rings only to find out the curse Odin had placed onto it. She was eventually brought to Wenwu who sought to have her join him in protecting the world, however she instead attacked him and escaped with Morris to head to a Norse village. However, Morris instead convinced her to go to Ta Lo instead where Hela met Jiayi who began to teach Hela about humility and what she really wanted to achieve to gain the aerokenisis that Jiayi had. However, as she was in Ta-Lo Heimdall couldn't see Hela, which led Odin to learn and tried to forcefully steal the Ten Rings from Wenwu as he believed that Wenwu used it to kill Hela. Hela though decided to use her new skills to help Wenwu and defeat Odin, and showed mercy, which caused her to become worthy of her crown and powers again and with her newfound compassion, decided to liberate the Nine Realms of Asgard's rule.
As Hela with Asgard and the Ten Rings, began to help the Realms, Watcher told how on that battlefield Wenwu, Hela, the Ten Rings, and the armies of Asgard forged an alliance and built an empire that would span the cosmos. An empire not of conquerors, but of liberators whose campaign across the universe and proved that even the darkest of hearts can come to know peace, as Hela and her army came to help protect the Zehoberei from Thanos' invasion.[19]
Insisting on Non-Interference[]
Forerunner Steve Rogers[]
- "Even if you find and destroy this Forerunner, what happens next? What if the world doesn’t magically correct itself? What if it’s the final straw that destroys this universe? What if, when the universe resets, you’re trapped here forever? What if you die?"
"What if, what if, what if. I have to try." - ―Captain Carter and The Watcher[src]
Watcher soon was able to find Captain Carter at a universe where most of the present-day heroes were active during the 1600s, which as a result of a time displaced person, many rifts threatened to tear the universe apart. After Carter was unsuccessful in saving Queen Hela, her brother Thor decided to have the royal forces apprehend Carter. With that Watcher said that this story had all the makings of a Shakespearean tragedy. With a king marred by loss, a soldier on the run, and world on the brink of oblivion. Watcher questioned how a time-displaced super-soldier like Carter ended up in such a strangely familiar reality, before he said that the sad truth was that there are worlds among the Multiverse that were simply meant to die. But every once in a while, a glimmer of hope could emerge. Watcher looked back to how Scarlet Witch alongside, a band of heroes gathered together to save their reality. As Maximoff used her powers to reach into Carter's universe as she joined the heroes of 1602 in their desperate bid to save their world. As he returned to the present Watcher explained that now though, after weeks of trial and error, Carter stood alone as she hid on a rooftop from Happy Hogan and the Royal Guard a failure and an outlaw in the dying universe she was summoned to save.
Carter overheard as Watcher spoke and told him that she could hear him, to Watcher's confusion. Peggy admitted that she did sometimes and asked what he needed. Watcher told Carter that she didn’t belong here and was fighting a battle she could not possibly understand. Peggy told Watcher that she figured that the 1600s and the early 21st century had been compressed and needed to be unstuck, much to Watcher's surprise. Watcher offered his hand to Carter and told her that he was going to take her back to her universe. However, Carter was adamant that she wasn't leaving the universe to die. Watcher tried to explain that from his experience, world died every day and that it just happens, but Carter wouldn't allow that to happen on her watch. As he knew that she wouldn't listen, Watcher disappeared as she asked for Tony Stark's help to create a machine to track and get rid of the displaced Forerunner and hired a group of thieves led by Rogers Hood to steal Thor's Scepter to power the device. However, they group was attacked by Hogan and the king's guards, with Carter turned herself over so that everyone else could escape.
As Carter sat in her cell, she asked Watcher if he was watching as he admitted that he always did and asked if she was ready to go home. Carter refused through and stated that there was still a chance that she could save this universe if she could find the Forerunner and asked Watcher if he knew who it was. Watcher admitted though that when a universe like this was close to extinction, that he can't. Watcher apologized for that and implored Carter that she can't change the universe's fate. Carter stated that if Watcher saw someone hurt that he needed to help them, Watcher offered Carter advice that she can't see the consequences of her actions, and that even if she found and destroy the forerunner, what if things became worse. Or if things were fixed what if she was trapped or died. Carter stated that she had to try though. Watcher said that she believed that because she is human. However, Carter stated that she believed because she was Captain Carter as she broke her chains off and told Watcher that if he wouldn't help her, then to get out of her way as she broke out with Hulk.
Watcher continued to see as Carter and the Avengers ambushed Thor while Scarlet Witch tried to contain another rift, eventually Carter was able to activate Stark's machine and revealed that it was Rogers who was the Forerunner as he explained that he ended up there after he sliced at the Time Stone as he fought Thanos in his time. Despite her sadness of losing Steve again, Steve and Peggy allowed Stark's device to remove Rogers from 1602 and restored the universe and Thor to stop hunting her. As Carter mourned Rogers, she was met by Strange Supreme who wanted her to help him with something.[20]
Strange Supreme Mishap[]
- "I thought you learned the dangers of interfering in worlds not your own."
"Spare me. We're never going to see eye to eye on this. I get involved, you watch."
"It's not about watching Peggy, It's about seeing."
"Great, well, Strange found a way to watch and see. He's getting involved, making a difference."
"Just be careful. I don't think I can bear to narrate what happens next." - ―The Watcher and Captain Carter[src]
As Carter and Strange caught up, Watcher told how the world was at peace thanks Carter, who was out of her own time. Watcher noted but then, Carter was used to that after she was thrusted into the future, to save her world, but left behind the love of her life. Watcher said that it could've consumed her, but instead, it fueled her to become a hero for all time and times. Watcher declared that now, the captain once lost in the future is trapped in the past, but even 400 years from home, she's not alone as Doctor Strange caught up with and asked Carter to help him at the Sanctum Infinitum.
As Strange took Carter there, Watcher said that their bond was not only formed in the fight against Ultron as the Guardians of the Multiverse, but of understanding. Watcher looked back on how Strange had originally ended up destroyed his soul, sanity, and eventually universe to resurrect his love, Christine Palmer and paid the price after he learned what he had done. Watcher stated that now two legends had to band together to face a threat unlike any the Multiverse had faced.
Strange told Carter how he had been capturing "Universe Killers," and needed her help to capture an escaped one in a universe's Badlands. While Carter sought out the culprit, she stumbled upon a monument of Red Skull and in her confusion asked what in the world it was. Watcher clarified that she could say worlds. Carter asked if Watcher was there to help or to narrate what happens. Watcher told Carter that in this universe the bomb at Project Rebirth packed a bigger bang with neither her or Steve Rogers survived and without Captain Carter or Captain America to stop them, HYDRA unleashed the Tesseract's powers, won the war and destroyed the world in the process. With that Carter guessed that Watcher would only narrate as he said it was his job. As he followed Peggy, Watcher asked what she was doing there. However, Carter told Watcher that if he wouldn't help, he could leave. Watcher questioned that he thought that Carter learned the dangers of interfering in worlds not her own. Carter told Watcher to spare her as they would never see eye to eye on the matter as she gets involved while he watches. Watcher claimed that it wasn't about watching but seeing. Carter claimed that Strange found a way to watch and see, and by getting involved, he was making a difference. Watcher warned Peggy to be careful, as he didn't think he could bear to narrate what happened next as he vanished.
Carter eventually found and caught the "universe killer" Kahhori as Strange took them back to the Sanctum Infinitum to recase her. However, Kahhori revealed to Peggy that Strange after he was left in prolonged isolation, the demons Strange had absorbed made him mad and not only had captured Multiversal heroes as Universe Killers but he planned on killing them in a forge to recreate his universe. To save the Multiversal prisoners, Carter broke many of their cases to make them riot to distract Strange while Carter and Kahhori sought out to destroy the Forge. However, Strange realized their plan and fought them as he tried to dump all the prisoners to the Forge. Luckily, the prisoners tossed their weapons to the two to allow them to take on Strange long enough for Kahhori to teleport all of them back to their homes, while Carter destabilized the Forge and separated the demons from Strange to allow him to regain his senses. However, the demons repossessed Strange again and attempted to kill Carter and Kahhori before Carter and Kahhori knocked them back into the Forge, with Strange forced the demons to hold back long enough to make up for his mistake by sacrificing himself and the demons.[21]
Returning Captain Carter Home[]
- "So, ready, finally, to get back to your universe?"
"I am. But perhaps we could take the scenic route home. Surely there's something worth seeing along the way."
"Oh, Captain. Just you watch." - ―The Watcher and Captain Carter
With the Forge overloaded and about to destroy the Sanctum, the Watcher transported Kahhori back to her world and Captain Carter to the Nexus of All Realities. As Carter woke up, she said that it meant that she's not dead, and the Watcher told her he brought Kahhori to safety already. Carter took in the Nexus and guessed that it was where Watcher observed the Multiverse. Watcher teleported both of them to New York, where Carter recognized Christine Palmer as she realized that Strange Supreme had succeeded in restoring his universe, but the Watcher remarked that it was at the cost of Strange's life as in recreating it, Strange was never born, and never would be born into it.
Carter lamented all the suffering Strange caused for a universe he would never get to see and how she almost helped him to do it. The Watcher comforted Peggy and affirmed her for seeing the good in Strange, and it was that part, if only for a moment, that allowed Strange to conquer his demons and save his world. Carter questioned if he foresaw those events earlier as they almost lost everything. Watcher said he did, but he wasn't needed to intervene, but instead her. As the Watcher allowed a butterfly to land on his finger, he asked Peggy if she was ready to go back to her universe. She agreed but asked to take the scenic route back as there was surely something worth seeing on the way. Watcher allowed them to go right outside the Multiverse as he told her to just watch.[21]
Impersonated[]
Scarlet Witch's Impersonation[]
- "You fought as valiantly as any hero I've ever seen. But this story isn't over."
- ―The Watcher to the Hero of the Multiverse[src]
The Watcher became familiar with a version of Wong from a universe where the Space Stone destroyed Kamar-Taj. Meanwhile, in another universe, Vision began dying due to the Mind Stone within him dying and ended up in Soulworld. Wanda Maximoff, overcome with grief, searched the Multiverse and discovered the Watcher. She devised a plan to impersonate the Watcher and recruit Wong, along with a person she dubbed the Hero of the Multiverse, to collect the Infinity Stones for her. Once Maximoff was found out, the hero worked with several figures from throughout the Multiverse to disperse her power, sending Maximoff and Vision to Soulworld at their request.
The Watcher then appeared to the Hero of the Multiverse and commended their fighting. However, he noted that the story was not over as the Multiverse was now at an absolute point and while he could not intervene, the Hero could. The Watcher offered the choice to either use the Infinity Stones to intervene in their own fate and that of their allies or destroy the stones and allowing the Multiverse to proceed naturally. The Hero then made their choice.[22]
Destruction of the Infinity Stones[]
- "As for you, you made a brave choice. One most wouldn't have. And this is bending the rules a bit, but there's someone I want you to meet."
- ―The Watcher to the Hero of the Multiverse[src]
The Watcher observed the version of the Hero of the Multiverse who destroyed the Infinity Stones, narrating for them what happened when each other their allies returned to their universe. They first narrated that while Thanos was unable to use the Reality Stone to save Titan, he became a leader of the Titans. He then narrated Steve Rogers joined with Winter Soldier and Red Guardian to form the Tri-Musketeers. He then narrated that while Hela mourned Fenris, she eventually became the Goddess of Life.
He commended the Hero of the Multiverse for choosing to destroy the Infinity Stones, noting that most would not have made that choice. As a reward, the Watcher introduced the Hero to Captain Carter. Carter noted that she thought the Hero would be taller, but the Watcher told her not to underestimate the Hero as they were formidable. Carter threw her shield to the Hero and was impressed when they caught it, commenting to the Watcher about how often he intervenes with new heroes. Carter then invited the Hero to help her protect the Multiverse.[22]
The Hero's Intervention[]
- "Pruning this branch and being done with it is the right way to do things."
"No, wait! They are the, uh, Hero of the Multiverse." - ―Miss Minutes and The Watcher[src]
The Watcher then visited the version of the Hero of the Multiverse who chose to intervene and create a happy ending for their allies. He narrated the universes created by the Hero's choice, first visiting the version of Thanos who used the Reality Stone to feed the Titans and became emboldened to save the universe. He then watched as a version of Steve Rogers who gave the Power Stone to S.H.I.E.L.D., creating a new threat of super soldiers in the United States of America. He then went to a version of Hela who returned home after running away and became a tyrant.
The Watcher then went to the Hero's native universe and noted that the Hero's choice was dangerous, noting that he was not the only one watching. Miss Minutes then appeared in the universe, surprising the Watcher. Miss Minutes explained that continuity errors continuously popped up, including the Hero as an example. The Watcher asked what Miss Minutes was going to do to the Hero, and Miss Minutes said that they would normally prune the timeline. The Watcher panicked and hesitantly called the Hero by the title given to them by Wanda Maximoff, and Miss Minutes decided instead to recruit the Hero. The Watcher was hesitant, but Miss Minutes recruited the Hero anyway.[22]
Personality[]
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Uatu took his role as a Watcher seriously and does not interfere with what happens in the alternate universes within the Multiverse. The Watcher did not interfere when Peggy Carter became Captain Carter, when T'Challa became Star-Lord, when the Avengers were assassinated, when a Zombie outbreak was released, Erik Killmonger's personal war or Thor's party in their respective universes. Most notably, when Strange Supreme ended up causing his universe's destruction he begged the Watcher to save it, but instead the Watcher chastised Strange Supreme while telling him that he could not.
The Watcher does have some limits though on not intervening, as when Strange Supreme was absorbing more creatures for power, he considered to interfere, but reminded himself that he could not, because of his oath. He also seemed pained that he couldn't show Hawkeye and Black Widow the way to defeat Ultron, saying it'll save many lives. At first, he shows little to no emotion towards the realities he was presenting, which Black Widow accused him for, but gradually began to show empathy towards those he observed, even admitting that one which Ultron eliminated all life broke his heart. He honestly admitted to Doctor Strange that if he could intervene and help, he would, and cheered on Hawkeye, despite knowing he was not heard or seen. He admitted that he cares for the Multiverse and the stories, saying he'll protect it to the end. He was also a humble person, not seeing himself as a god at all.
However, when Ultron sensed him, he was shocked and horrified at the implication of Ultron escaping from his home universe to another. As the AI actively tracked him down, the Watcher slowly became more willing to intervene, eventually being forced to break his oath when he lost control of the Nexus of All Realities to Ultron, as seen when he asked Doctor Strange for help despite what the latter did to his own universe.
After Ultron's defeat Uatu continued his original goal of watching the new universes with little to no interference to Nebula as a Nova Corpsman, Ego's Invasion, Happy Hogan rescuing the Avengers Tower, Iron Man's time on Sakaar, Captain Carter dealing with the brainwashed HYDRA Stomper, Kahhori's story, Hela's time on Earth, and Captain Carter freeing Strange Supreme's prisoners as those events unlike the previous ones ended up working themselves out for the better. As he recognized that with those who were willing to step in like Carter, he didn't need to intervene as he trusted Carter and others to take care of the problem.
Even when he transitioned from never interfering, Watcher believed that universes that were on the brink of destruction like 1602 should stay on it course as there could be possible destructive results if messed with, as he begged Captain Carter to leave it be as she tried to prevent it from destruction. However, he maintained his sense of responsibility when situations involved him, such as his willingness to protect an individual who had chosen to use the Infinity Stones to change their allies' fate from the Time Variance Authority, since the situation only arose since a version of Wanda Maximoff impersonated him. He also recruited a version of the individual to work with Captain Carter to protect the multiverse.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- "The galaxy, to your eyes, a hundred billion points of light. But where you see light, I see worlds and the countless stories that fill them."
- ―The Watcher[src]
- Watcher Physiology: Like all of his species, The Watcher is a cosmic being of immeasurable power, he possesses a wide variety of immense, seemingly godlike powers and abilities, making him one of the most powerful beings in the entire Multiverse. His power is only surpassed by that of Ultron empowered by all of the Infinity Stones.
- Superhuman Strength: The Watcher possesses extraordinary divine and immense levels of superhuman strength that is virtually incalculable and limitless, as he is able to carry, lift and exert billions of tons of force. He is numerous times stronger than any species in the Multiverse, being far stronger than any Kree, Asgardian, or Titan, equaled only by other members of his species, and is only surpassed by Ultron who has the power of six Infinity Stones.
- Superhuman Durability: The Watcher's body is extremely durable, numerous times more resistant to physical and energy damage than any species in the multiverse, far outclassing any Kree, Asgardian, Titan, and even Ego who is a Celestial, equaled only by other members of his species, thereby making him almost invulnerable and indestructible. He was able to withstand the energy blasts from the Infinity Stones, numerous hits from Ultron amplified by the power of the Infinity Stones, and falls from immense heights, all without any damage. During the battle with Ultron, when he and Ultron arrived in another universe, Ultron enlarged himself to a point where he managed to consume an entire galaxy, causing it to explode and completely destroying it, with The Watcher being the only survivor. In same battle after arriving in another universe, Ultron mercilessly beat The Watcher, the force of his punches causing them to transverse from one universe to another, destroying them in the process,[23] which left him temporarily unconscious for a few seconds. By the time The Watcher regained his consciousness, Ultron focused all of the Infinity Stones' energy in his hand and attempt to crush his head, but The Watcher managed to resist long enough for him to break free and open a portal to escape, leaving with only minor injuries.
- Superhuman Speed: The Watcher can run and move at extreme speed, possibly faster than light speed, much faster than any being in the Multiverse. He was able to keep up with the speed of Ultron and sometimes even faster than him in battle, and is fast enough to block or dodge most of his attacks.
- Superhuman Agility: The Watcher is much more agile than any being in the Multiverse, with perfect agility, equilibrium, flexibility, dexterity, balance, and body coordination. He was able to dodge Ultron attacks agilely and sometimes even outmaneuver him in battle.
- Superhuman Stamina: The Watcher muscles produce no fatigue toxins during physical activity, far surpassing any being in the Multiverse. His virtually inexhaustible stamina enables him to exert himself at peak capacity for an undefined period of time and without tiring at all. He was able to last much longer in a fight with Ultron compared with Captain Marvel.
- Superhuman Reflexes: The Watcher can react and dodge objects traveling at extreme speeds, much quicker than any being in the Multiverse. He was able to dodge or avoid most of Ultron's attacks.
- Regenerative Healing Factor: The Watcher can quickly recover from injuries; his healing is much better than any being in the Multiverse. As after his fight with Ultron, the Watcher had sustained serious injuries, but by the time he visited Strange Supreme for help, he showed no signs of them.
- Immortality: The Watcher is immortal, being able to live forever, without dying due to old age or illnesses.
- Flight: The Watcher can fly at extreme speed, possibly faster than light speed. He can fly, glide and float through the air and vacuum of space without outside help.
- Self-Sustenance: The Watcher is capable of surviving in the vacuum of space unaided. He does not need air, and does not appear to need food, water, or sleep to survive.
- Nigh-Omniscience: The Watcher is aware and knows everything of all the existing universes in the Multiverse. However, the only thing he cannot predict is Ultron, as he was genuinely surprised by Ultron appearing in Thor's reality, and was shocked that Ultron was able to see him and later even break through the barriers of the Nexus of All Realities, which he deemed that it should not be possible. However, later he was able to foresee the Guardians would win against Ultron ultimately. This indicates that even though Ultron managed to surprise him at first, he was still able to know and see the future of Ultron correctly before the events being happened.
- Cosmic Awareness: Uatu's cosmic awareness enables him to know almost anything which has happened in the main universe, which he uses to compare the realities he now looks over; however, equally powerful beings like Doctor Strange Supreme, Infinity Ultron, Scarlet Witch and even Groot were able to shock him and catch him off-guard.
- Nigh-Omnipotence: The Watcher is immensely powerful, possessing near unfathomable and omnipotent levels of power.
- Dimensional Travel: The Watcher has the power to bypass the barriers between realities throughout the Multiverse and able to travel to any point of the Multiverse. In the battle against Ultron, they fought across the Multiverse. He was able to travel to different universes and observe them, including but not limited to Main Universe, Super Soldier Peggy Carter Universe, Ravager T'Challa Universe, Avengers Assassinated Universe, Corrupted Doctor Strange Universe, Killmonger's War Universe, Party Prince Thor Universe, Age of Ultron Universe, Sakaaran Racing Universe, Nova Corpsman Nebula Universe, Celestial Invader Ego's Universe, Freak's Universe, Kahhori's Universe, Merciful Hela's Universe, and 1602's Universe.
- Teleportation: The Watcher can teleport in order to see points of interest to observe. He can also teleport anyone to any point of the Multiverse. He was able to teleport Peggy Carter, T'Challa, Gamora, Erik Killmonger, and Thor to a bar created by Strange Supreme.
- Portal Creation: The Watcher can open portals to any location in the Multiverse. After being defeated and nearly killed by Ultron, the Watcher opened a portal to escape by transporting himself to what was left of Strange Supreme's universe, the Mirror Dimension. The Watcher can also take others with him, warping both himself and others to another universe. He opened a portal and teleported the Guardians of the Multiverse to a deserted planet from another universe to fight Ultron, and later teleported them to Ultron's home planet.
- Teleportation: The Watcher can teleport in order to see points of interest to observe. He can also teleport anyone to any point of the Multiverse. He was able to teleport Peggy Carter, T'Challa, Gamora, Erik Killmonger, and Thor to a bar created by Strange Supreme.
- Time Travel: The Watcher can travel throughout any points within the timelines he surveys. This was demonstrated when he watched Strange Supreme back in the past wanting to change an Absolute Point in time. He also saw Captain Carter's World War II, T'Challa's abduction, the beginning of the Zombie Apocalypse, the events that led to Thor having a party on Earth, Ultron's rise to power, Nebula's recruitment to the Nova Corps, Peter Quill meeting his father, the events that led to the Freak, Gamora's past, what Captain Carter was up to before fighting the HYDRA Stomper, what led to Captain Carter's abduction to 1602, and all previous events in the main timeline.
- Invisibility: The Watcher can make himself invisible, in order to observe without being seen. Specifically, when he was in the same room as Hawkeye and Black Widow, neither of them could see nor hear him. However, Strange Supreme was able to sense his presence and later even see him as he consumed powerful mystical entities to increase his power. Ultron was also able to sense his presence and see him after obtaining the power of six Infinity Stones.
- Intangibility: The Watcher can render himself intangible, as after Captain Carter refused to take his offer to return to her universe, she ran right through him to escape her prison cell.
- Size Manipulation: The Watcher can change his size in conjunction with his environment. He could be big enough to use his palm to pick up and hold Thor. The Watcher can also change the size of objects as he shrunk a Mirror Dimension barrier to trap Erik Killmonger and Arnim Zola.
- Cosmic Energy Manipulation: The Watcher is able to manipulate cosmic energy to use it in many ways, including but not limited to create shields and barriers, telekinesis, accumulate cosmic energy in his hands, manipulate matter. The Watcher can cause interference and power surges in nearby technology. When he appeared in a bar created by Strange Supreme, he was able to cause the surrounding light bulbs to flicker.
- Force-Field Generation: The Watcher is capable of using cosmic energy to create energy constructs. He was able to create shields and barriers strong enough to withstand the energy blasts from the Infinity Stones and contain Ultron in a sphere.
- Telekinesis: The Watcher can move objects with his powers. After trapping Ultron in a force-field, he sent him out of the Nexus of All Realities.
- Energy Blast: The Watcher can accumulate his energy into his hands to increase the damage behind his blows. He was able to stagger Ultron and knock him back using this power.
- Exoskeleton: As a being of immeasurable power, The Watcher is able to manipulate matter at a molecular level. He was able to conjure a golden armor onto him, and later change his combat attire into his Watcher uniform.
- Holographic Projection: While explaining their objective and what are they up against to the Guardians of the Multiverse, The Watcher generated a holographic display of the worlds that were being attacked by Ultron and the appearance of Ultron with all the Infinity Stones.
- Dimensional Travel: The Watcher has the power to bypass the barriers between realities throughout the Multiverse and able to travel to any point of the Multiverse. In the battle against Ultron, they fought across the Multiverse. He was able to travel to different universes and observe them, including but not limited to Main Universe, Super Soldier Peggy Carter Universe, Ravager T'Challa Universe, Avengers Assassinated Universe, Corrupted Doctor Strange Universe, Killmonger's War Universe, Party Prince Thor Universe, Age of Ultron Universe, Sakaaran Racing Universe, Nova Corpsman Nebula Universe, Celestial Invader Ego's Universe, Freak's Universe, Kahhori's Universe, Merciful Hela's Universe, and 1602's Universe.
Abilities[]
- Genius-Level Intellect: Thanks to his omniscience, The Watcher is able to pinpoint the moment in which a divergence in reality happens, due to knowing every detail of the initial event. He was also able to outsmart Ultron, despite the him having all the Infinity Stones which made him nigh-omnipotent, as he formed a team that ultimately defeated Ultron.
- Master Tactician: The Watcher is master strategist and tactical genius, being able to plan way ahead of events and execute it flawlessly, knowing exactly how it will unfold. He was able to choose all the right members to form the Guardians of the Multiverse which have the perfect combination of skills and experience that alone will triumph, being able to battle against Ultron and win ultimately without any of the members dying. Even more than that, Strange Supreme in the end realized that the Watcher foresaw every moment on how the Guardians plan against Ultron would unfold successfully, from the failed Infinity Crusher to Killmonger's betrayal, and Strange's sacrifice.
- Master Combatant: The Watcher is a highly skilled and formidable hand-to-hand combatant, with an extensively knowledge in various forms of combats. He could match up with Ultron during a long fight.
- Omnilingualism: The Watcher is capable of understanding and most likely speaking all known languages within the Multiverse.
Equipment[]
- Watcher Uniform: The Watcher possesses a uniform to indicate his status as a Watcher.
- Golden Armor: The Watcher possesses a golden armor that he used for combat. He wore the armor during a fight with Ultron.
Facilities[]
- Nexus of All Realities: The Watcher resides in the Nexus of All Realities, where he observes all realities within the Multiverse.
Relationships[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Appearances[]
Trivia[]
- In the comics, Uatu the Watcher resides at the Blue Area of the Moon, where there is oxygen and breathing is possible, from where he observes Earth. In spite of the Watchers having made an oath of not interfering with events in the history of the planet they are meant to observe, Uatu very often violates this oath to aid humanity, most notably to help the Fantastic Four to save Earth from Galactus.
- Uatu is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe character to debut in an animated medium.
- This is the first version of Uatu who appears to be dark-skinned.
- Uatu's armor he wears while fighting Ultron resembles Aron the Rogue Watcher, Uatu's nephew in the comics.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Fans had speculated that Uatu was the Watcher Informant, Stan Lee's cameo character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, but Kevin Feige disproved this theory by confirming, at the time Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was being released, that while the cinematic rights to the Watchers were shared between Marvel Studios and 20th Century Fox, Uatu was owned solely by Fox.[24] However, Uatu's rights were transferred back to Marvel when Disney acquired Fox in 2019.[25]
- What If...? head writer A.C. Bradley has stated that the show has not used the name "Uatu" to refer to the Watcher because then the audience could feel that there's more than one being watching the show's events, whereas Bradley intended to focus the narrative on how the Watcher observes different characters and realities and how those affect him.[26]
- In early phases of development, Kevin Feige and A.C. Bradley talked about the Watcher as though he were similar to the character Q from Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, this version of the Watcher was changed in later development.[27]
- In Marvel Studios Animation's revival series X-Men '97, Uatu made a cameo appearance in the fifth episode of the series' first season. While the character's silhouette bears some similarity to MCU Uatu's design, a previous adaptation of the character appeared in the X-Men: The Animated Series, which shares its own continuity with other Marvel Animation series separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- On March 15, 2024, Executive Producer Brad Winderbaum mentioned that the show could feature references to the MCU saying that, while X-Men '97 is not set in the MCU's sacred timeline, "because of Loki and every other Multiverse story" there would always be a "potential for connections."[28]
- On April 13, 2024, Supervising producer Jake Castorena talked about Uatu's cameo and how it connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He acknowledged the character's appearance in the original series saying "any fan of the OG show will have noticed The Watcher cameo in the series. So it is not out of canon for the OG X-Men '90-97, to have The Watcher, watching or looking on."[29] In spite of this, on April 16, 2024, X-Men '97 was added under the "MCU Multiverse Saga" collection on Disney+. However, on May 1, 2024, Head Writer Beau DeMayo commented that all discussions with Marvel Studios viewed X-Men '97's universe as its own "neighboring tree" and "not a branch of the multiverse MCU tree".[30]
References[]
- ↑ Daredevil: Born Again, X-Men '97 season 2, Captain America's origins and more!
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 What If...?: 1.01: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 What If...?: 1.08: What If... Ultron Won?
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 I Am Groot: 2.05: Groot and the Great Prophecy
- ↑ Thor: Love and Thunder
- ↑ What If...?: 1.02: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?
- ↑ What If...?: 1.03: What If... The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?
- ↑ What If...?: 1.04: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?
- ↑ What If...?: 1.05: What If... Zombies?!
- ↑ What If...?: 1.06: What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?
- ↑ What If...?: 1.07: What If... Thor Were an Only Child?
- ↑ What If...?: 1.09: What If... The Watcher Broke His Oath?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.01: What If... Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.02: What If... Peter Quill Attacked Earth's Mightiest Heroes?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.03: What If... Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.04: What If... Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.05: What If... Captain Carter Fought the HYDRA Stomper?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.06: What If... Kahhori Reshaped the World?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.07: What If... Hela Found the Ten Rings?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.08: What If... The Avengers Assembled in 1602?
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 What If...?: 2.09: What If... Strange Supreme Intervened?
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 What If...? – An Immersive Story
- ↑ A.C. Bradley on Twitter - May 26, 2023
- ↑ Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige on Crafting Great Post-Credits Scenes
- ↑ Disney Officially Owns 21st Century Fox
- ↑ WHAT IF Interview AC Bradley Marvel Head Writer Talks Spider-Man Uncle Ben, Zombies, Star Wars
- ↑ What If..? Season 2 Live Q&A With Creative Team (A.C. Bradley, Matthew Chauncey, Bryan Andrews)
- ↑ X-Men '97 EP Teases 'Potential' Cameos and MCU Connections
- ↑ X-Men Producer Explains That Cameo By The Watcher & What It Means For The Rest Of Season 1
- ↑ Beau DeMayo on X - May 1, 2024